November 12, 2021
COP 26---November 12, 2021--e-note #9
What's HappeningView as Webpage
Our work doesn't end.
Rev. Susan Hendershot, IPL President leaves us some thoughts about what has happened at COP 26:
"First, there have been many important initiatives launched to get the world towards the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Centigrade above pre-industrial levels. These include the Global Methane Pledge and the commitment to end deforestation—both of which the U.S. has committed to. And while these commitments don’t get us to the 1.5 degree goal, they do get us closer.
In a positive change from the previous COP, The U.S.’s “whole of government” approach has been on full display in Glasgow, with President Biden, members of Congress, Cabinet members, and U.S. negotiators speaking and sharing a number of new initiatives to tackle mitigation, adaptation, climate finance for least developed countries, and other important goals." 

The final document is not yet finalized. Countries continue to negotiate. Fossil fuels issues remain a point of divergence. An article from the Tribune stated:
"Climate activists, however, criticised “watered-down commitments to end the use of coal and other fossil fuels”, saying “we don’t believe their pledges and promises”.
Officials insisted that language around fossil fuels may be “softened”, but the inclusion of a commitment in the final deal will be seen as a “landmark moment”."
Read more

World Voices
Vanessa Nakate, climate activist from Uganda delivered a powerful speech.
"Humanity will not be saved by promises..."
Here is the video with her voice.
Prayers/Reflections
Earlier this year, Australian researchers conducted a psychological study of mental health and eco anger. They found that “more intense experiences of frustration and anger” with the climate crisis, rather than depression and anxiety, were associated with greater attempts to do something about it. https://www.thecut.com/2021/10/climate-change-mental-health-therapy.html

Only coming together can we overcome anger, disappointment , anxiety. Our faith calls us to pray, hope and act!

Actions
Personal

Leonardo Boff, an eco theologian from Brazil expressed his frustration and disappointment in regards to the outcome of COP 26 yet, he is calling for action in 2022.
How will I continue to be commitment with others in my own local reality?


Public Policy Advocacy
Iyad Abumoghli, director of the U.N. Environment Programme's Faith for Earth Initiative, recognizes: Religious institutions are major landholders and have significant economic clout, and people tend to listen to their faith leaders.
Our work must continue after COP 26 as faith based groups.
Here the voice of UNEP's Director: